Ex-Cal Star Jaylon Tyson Hits for the Cavaliers in his first NBA start

On By Littum

Former Cal star Jaylon Tyson made his first NBA start Wednesday night and made the most of it.

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ first-round draft pick contributed 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists — a near triple-double in his first meaningful appearance — in a 128-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.

Tyson had two steals and just one turnover in 37 minutes. Virtually all of his numbers represented highlights of his short NBA career. He shot 7 for 12 from the field and had a plus/minus of plus-20 points.

“I just want to add value to this team that we don’t have,” Tyson told reporters afterward. “And whatever role it is, I’m willing to throw myself into it.”

Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson was thrilled with Tyson’s productive night.

“Energy, rebounding . . . almost a triple-double. That’s the guy we saw in training camp in September when he came here,” he said. “Just great to see him play well.”

Atkinson said his assistant coaches were pushing for Tyson to start, but he wasn’t sure it was a good idea. “I fought it. I said he hasn’t played at all. It’s important for a young guy to be around vets. It was a good suggestion, it really helped him get off to a good start.”

According to the Cavaliers, Tyson became the team’s first rookie to post at least 16 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in a single game since Brad Daugherty (20-11-7) on April 7, 1987.

Atkinson didn’t make a fuss about telling Tyson he wanted to start — that was just revealed during the pregame scouting. “Sometimes it’s best not to make a big deal out of it,” he said. “I think that strategy worked tonight.”

A first-team All-Pac-12 selection last year in his only season with the Bears, Tyson had played in just six games this season, primarily in garbage time. He totaled seven points, four rebounds and two assists in those outings.

Jaylon Tyson

Jaylon Tyson / Ken Blaze-Imagn Photos

On the heels of the Cavaliers’ first loss of the season, a 120-117 setback to reigning NBA champion Boston, starting guard Darius Garland was ruled out for safety reasons with a groin injury.

Garland was one of seven Cleveland players unavailable Wednesday night. Tyson stepped in and was more than up to the task.

Ty Jerome scored 29 points to lead the Cavs, who improved to 16-1, including 9-0 at home.